(DALLAS – April 14, 2011) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma is receiving $189,817 in Climate Showcase Communities grant funding to improve the energy efficiency of its health facilities through technology and behavioral change. This clear and effective strategy will serve as a much needed model for small and rural communities across the United States.

The Choctaw Nation grant is a part of $8.3 million in funding to 22 communities across the country, including three Indian Tribes, to pilot innovative local strategies to combat climate change. These new grantees join 25 communities awarded funding in 2010. These projects will target every aspect of a community’s carbon footprint, including energy use in homes, businesses, vehicles, waste management practices, energy production, and land use management.

Grantees estimate that by 2014 these projects will reduce about 167,000 metric tons of greenhouse gasemissions annually - equivalent to the emissions from more than 33,000 passenger vehicles or 14,000homes -and save over $13 millionper year in energy costs. The projects will also improve people’s health and quality of life by improving indoor and outdoor air quality, increasing walkability, and reducing household energy bills.

“I am pleased to recognize our partner the Choctaw Nation for enhancing energy efficiency in its healthcare facilities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Al Armendariz. “This is a wonderful example for other Tribal partners to follow in reducing energy use, lowering costs and improving our environment.”
These 22 communities are showing their commitment to combat climate change by contributing matching funds and committing to sharing their lessons learned to help other communities replicate successful projects. Communities selected for the Climate Showcase funds were required to show their ability to achieve ongoing greenhouse gas reductions as well as track, measure and show progress toward their goals.

EPA will monitor the progress of grant recipients and will post quarterly updates about each recipient online. An additional $1.7 million is still under reviewand is expected to be awarded in the next few months to four additional local governments.

The Climate Showcase Communities Grant Program is administered by EPA, providing technical assistance, tools, and guidance to help state, local and tribal governments implement policies and programs to mitigate climate change.